A Tribute to Django Reinhardt
In Honor of International Romani Day & Jazz Appreciation Month
Today (April 8th) is International Romani Day, dedicated to Europe's largest ethnic minority, the Romani people (also colloquially known as the Roma). International Romani Day exists to raise awareness about the discrimination, stigmatization, and other issues faced by the Romani community worldwide, as well as to celebrate Romani heritage and culture.
The month of April also happens to be Jazz Appreciation Month, devoted to the celebration of one our favorite art forms.
So today we’ve decided to celebrate both International Romani Day and Jazz Appreciation Month with a tribute to Romani jazz guitarist and composer, Django Reinhardt!
Django Reinhardt (1910 - 1953)
Two Classic Compilations: Nuages & Djangology!
Check out these two classic compilations that showcase many of Django’s most iconic songs and solidify his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Nuages features some of Django’s biggest hits with jazz legends like Coleman Hawkins, Bill Coleman and Benny Carter. And Djangology is a collection of pure musical gold with Reinhardt’s long-time musical partner, violinist Stéphane Grappelli.
Artists Who Changed Music: Django Reinhardt
To learn more about Django Reinhardt’s fascinating life, his musical innovations, and his long-lasting influence on later guitarists, check out the short documentary below!
I love you boys for doing a number on Django! What's there not to like about his music? Especially with Stéphane Grappelli! It's like sweet ear honey. I think I'll listen now. It's been a while.
I used to have the Nuages collection and remixes on CD. I used to dance a little jig naked for my sweet kitty Samantha RIP, because she liked Django as well as Nina Simone. The Steve Martin comedy movie that depicts life in Los Angeles so succinctly, "L.A. Story," features Django during his character's daily commute to work, L.A. style.
Anyway, Ryans, thank you for reminding me. And a wicky wicky wacky woo!